Editor,

How many times have we heard or read that Africa needs more funding if it is ever going to be developed? That’s the gist of the aid industry and that’s what African leaders say when they meet donors.

However there is a problem that is not mentioned very often. That dirty little secret is that sometimes when aid is available it is either misused or not used at all. I remembered this paradox when I read yesterday’s The New Times.

The Prime Minister, Bernard Makuza, while touring the Northern Province, reveled to everyone that hundreds of millions of francs meant for the Vision 2020-Umurenge (VUP) program in the province are not being used.

In fact, Prime Minister Makuza put many Mayors and the Sector Executive Secretaries from the VUP sectors to task when he asked why the money had not been requisitioned and used for its intended purposes.

However, the officials failed to provide convincing reasons, prompting the Governor of the province, Aime Bosenibamwe, to intervene.

It’s unfortunate when Rwanda’s development targets aren’t realized because we simply don’t have enough money.

However, it’s tragic when these targets aren’t realized simply because someone refuses to use money that is available. Its like letting a house burn down while holding a fire hose. Someone that is negligent should be put to task.

David Kahangwe
Remera